Method of providing enterprise wireless communication method for intergrated residential and business services

ABSTRACT

The present invention sets forth a network-centric service distribution method that integrates a wireless access system/service in the residence, SOHO, business or public environment through the use of a local broadband network, such as a Residential-Business Broadband Network (RBN), to the service provider&#39;s broadband transport network and to a service provider&#39;s broadband packet network that facilitates end-to-end packet telecommunication services. The method includes the step of connecting said service provider&#39;s broadband packet network to the RBN via said service provider&#39;s broadband transport network. Call and service termination functions to a plurality of local RBN devices are also provided in the method. Signals from a plurality of wireless devices are accepted and forwarded to an IEEE 802.11b interface for a wireless modem and/or to an Ethernet interface for a Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP)/Ethernet Processor, where the forwarded signals comprise intranet telephony and data.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.09/881,111, filed Jun. 14, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,010,002.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to “Broadband Network with EnterpriseWireless Communication System for Residential and Business Environment”,by Albert T Chow, Robert R. Miller, Richard H Erving, Jinman Kim, WenchuYing and Jesse E. Russel, which is being filed concurrently.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to communications between users in diversecommunication systems and, more particularly, to providing a wirelesslocal access system/service in the home, Small Office Home Office(SOHO), business and public environments by utilizing a serviceprovider's broadband transport network to a service provider's broadbandpacket network, an Internet Protocol Telephony Network, and publicswitched telephone network. Specifically, this invention relates tobroadband network access for users in the above-mentioned environments.The invention extends the scheme of wired Virtual Private Networks(VPNs) to include duplicate wireless elements in home and office. Theseelements allow users to experience identical service behaviors in bothlocations, effectively creating a “work” wireless feature environment athome, as well as a “home” wireless feature environment at work.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Present day telephony voice networks are built around circuit switches,end offices, a toll network, tandem switches, and twisted pair wires.These voice networks are referred to as a Public Switched TelephoneNetwork (PSTN) or Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS). Due to bandwidthlimitations of Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS), there is an inherentinability to efficiently integrate multiple types of media such astelephony, data communications (including video) for Personal Computers(PC), and Television (TV) broadcasts. Accordingly, a new broadbandarchitecture is required. This new architecture gives rise to a newarray of user services.

There are limitations on communication services provided to the publicfor accessing communication networks. The most common access points tocommunication networks are POTS connections in the residences, SOHO,business and public environments. However, these access points arelimited to voice telephone calls and offer practically no additionalcalling services. Connections for users to access communication networksfor transmitting and receiving data is mostly limited to low-speeddial-up (e.g., 28 kbps or slower), kiosks located in public areas forWeb browsing, or dedicated trunks (e.g., T1) in business locations. Asthe demand for increased sophistication of telecommunication servicesincreases, providing users with residential and SOHO/business high-speedcommunication networks will be required.

The evolution of business enterprises toward a more decentralizedbusiness environment coupled with new work styles and flexibleorganization structures has changed where, when and how users andprofessionals conduct and achieve their daily residential and businessobjectives. In particular, the following shifts in user and businessneeds can be observed:

-   -   a. The challenges of supporting an increasingly mobile workforce        requires corporations and businesses to focus on providing        mobility and service profile portability to them.    -   b. The emergence of wireless as a “primary” phone, prompting        demand for one phone, one number, anytime, anywhere        communications.    -   c. Increasing numbers of computing resources in the home        necessitate the ability to link these elements together in order        for consumers to leverage their usage and capabilities.    -   d. Increasing the number of households that access to the        Internet.

Therefore, a need exists for users to be able to utilize a residentialor SOHO/business service architecture together with a flexible wirelessnetworking platform that links all the preselected residential orSOHO/business devices wirelessly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention implements a network-centric service distributionarchitecture that integrates a wireless access system/service in theresidence, SOHO, business or public environment through the use of alocal broadband network (i.e., Residential/Business BroadbandNetwork—RBN) to the service provider's broadband transport network andto a service provider's broadband packet network as depicted in the FIG.1 that facilitates end-to-end packet telecommunication services. Theintegration of an RBN to a service provider's broadband packet networkallows a subscriber to communicate at home and at the office with onecommunication device anywhere. A service provider can deploy services inan integrated voice, data and multimedia environment cost-effectivelyfrom its broadband packet network to the RBN.

In the architectural perspective, the service provider's networkgenerally includes a broadband packet network (e.g., IP-based packetnetwork), a broadband transport network (e.g., generic DigitalSubscriber Line (xDSL), Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC), Fixed Wireless, FiberOptical Link etc.) and a local broadband network, RBN, (located within aresidence, SOHO, business or public mall) that consists of MediaTerminal Adapter (MTA) and associated access port(s) that are linked tothe Media Terminal Adapter via a network (e.g., Ethernet) oralternatively via a traditional telephone twisted-pair line interface.The Media Terminal Adapter is coupled to the access port(s) and via theservice provider's broadband transport network to the service provider'sbroadband packet network. The Media Terminal Adapter is used forproviding access functions for connecting the service provider'sbroadband packet network with the RBN via the service provider'sbroadband transport network. The access port is coupled to the MediaTerminal Adapter via either a network (e.g., a Local Area Network—LAN)or simply via a traditional POTS (i.e., telephone twisted pair) lineinterface. The access port receives and sends wireless signals to aplurality of wireless devices. This architecture also allows the user tocontrol these devices remotely from the residence, business, SOHO orpublic environments. Also, the Network Server Platform (NSP) in theservice provider's broadband packet network controls and administers theoperation of the access ports and the service requests of the wirelessdevices associated with these access ports.

Typically, the RBN is coupled to the service provider's network via theMedia Terminal Adapter using a broadband transport network that iscomprised of a HFC cable system or xDSL. In business/SOHO environments,a private branch exchange (i.e., PBX) that is capable of supportingpacket telephony (via the Media Terminal Adapter, and the serviceprovider's broadband transport network and service provider's broadbandpacket network) may be coupled to the RBN for business telephonyfeatures to the RBN associated wired and wireless telephones. This PBXcan also be optionally coupled to the public switched telephone network.

Generally, the access port is a miniaturized radio base station that isused to establish analog and/or digital communications channels. Itinterworks between the wireless and packet telephony protocols(including voice transcoding) to provide end-to-end communicationsbetween the service provider's packet network and the associatedwireless handsets. Where desired, the access port and the Media TerminalAdapter may be integrated into a single unit, such as an intelligentbroadband access point unit, to provide the functions of the access portand the Media Terminal Adapter.

The RBN is typically a home network or business network which has aplurality of RBN devices such as home devices, computing/telephonyresources and appliances. The present invention also provides a methodfor network-centric service distribution to a wireless access system inthe residence, SOHO, business or public environment through the use of aRBN to the service provider's broadband transport network and to aservice provider's broadband packet network that facilitates end-to-endpacket telecommunication services. The method typically includes thesteps of using a Media Terminal Adapter that is coupled to an accessport(s) via a network (e.g., LAN) or a traditional twisted-pairtelephone line interface. The Media Terminal Adapter is also coupled toa broadband transport network that includes hybrid fiber coaxial cable,or alternatively xDSL, of the service provider's broadband packetnetwork to provide access functions for connecting the serviceprovider's broadband packet network with the RBN, and the Media TerminalAdapter uses the access port(s) to receive and send wireless signals toa plurality of wireless devices in accordance with the call and servicetermination communications. A single integrated unit may perform thesesteps or, alternatively, two separate units, for example, where anaccess port and Media Terminal Adapter are utilized. Where desired, theRBN may be coupled to the service provider's broadband packet networkusing a HFC cable system or xDSL. The RBN is typically a home network ora business network.

In one embodiment, a computer-readable medium having computer-executableinstructions is used for remotely accessing a broadband home network. Inthis embodiment, the computer-executable instructions perform the stepsof the method.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary of the invention, as well as the followingdetailed description of preferred embodiments, is better understood whenread in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are includedby way of example, and not by way of limitation with regard to theclaimed invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an architecture for oneembodiment of broadband networking for home, small office home office(SOHO) and business in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a combined schematic representation and flow chart for oneembodiment of a home control scheme based on TIA/EIA-136 Short Messagefeature in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a combined schematic representation and flow chart for oneembodiment of a voice call scheme in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a combined schematic representation and flow chart for oneembodiment of an interworking call scheme in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of a dataservices implementation in a home network in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of a scheme forroaming to a visiting service area in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a wireless access pointsystem for supporting a plurality of RF methods in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing one embodiment of functionsfor a Media Terminal Adapter (MTA) in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing one embodiment of anIntelligent Broadband Access Point unit (IBAP) in accordance with thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention implements a network-centric service distributionarchitecture that integrates a wireless access system/service in theresidence, SOHO, business or public environment through the use of a RBNto the service provider's broadband transport network and to a serviceprovider's broadband packet network that facilitates end-to-end packettelecommunication services. This invention also provides for access andcontrol of home and/or office computing resources, devices, andappliances (locally or remotely) via a service provider's broadbandtransport network access to the home or office and related apparatus andmethodology for home and office networking. Currently, when peopletravel they must relinquish the access of their home and officecomputing resources in addition to their home appliances and devices dueto lack of capability to access these resources and devices. Makingthese resources available to a traveler remotely through wired orwireless means provides convenience to the user. The servicearchitecture, the methodologies and apparatuses enable a traveler to“carry or reach” their office or residential environments even when theyare located at a remote location. For example, a user may turn on or offthe air conditioner, check home or office security, prepare dinner byturning on the oven, access e-mail, send and receive data messages,utilize home computing resources, etc. For ease of reading, manyreferences below are addressed simply to the home environment and homeresources. However, as used herein, such references also are intended toinclude the office environment and office resources applicable in theenterprise environment. Therefore, the present invention provides forbroadband network access for the home, small Office Home Office (SOHO)environment and for the enterprise environment.

In residential use, the present invention provides a home with broadbandnetwork access together with a flexible wireless networking platformthat provides service via links to all the applicable home devices andappliances wirelessly. The service provides broadband access to thehome, a home networking apparatus, methodology and architecture thatlinks all the home computing and telephony resources, appliances,electronics, and preselected devices to a service provider's broadbandpacket network, provides for distribution of services from a carrierservice provider to the home and to the home networking devices, thusmaking available a multiplicity of new home services.

Three key wireless access technologies/standards, TIA/EIA-136, GeneralPacket Radio Service (GPRS)/Enhanced Data for Global Evolution (EDGE),and IEEE 802.11b Wireless LAN, are used to define basic residentialand/or small business services, and the inter-working methodologies thatallow a traveler to “carry” his home and/or small business resourcesanywhere. However, these standards are for illustrative purposes onlyand any practices that are based on differences or variations of givenhome or small business network apparatuses and/or broadband networkaccess to the home and/or small business environments and/or wirelessprotocols shall be within the scope of the invention. For example, theIEEE 802.15 Wireless Personal LAN (i.e., Bluetooth) or the CellularDigital Packet Data (CDPD) standard may be used instead of IEEE 802.11b,and any second-generation or third-generation standard wireless protocol(e.g., Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Call DivisionMultiple Access (CDMA) (i.e., IS-95 High Data Rate (HDR)), CDMA2000,Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), or Personal Handyphone System (PHS)) can be usedinstead of TIA/EIA-136).

The wireless industry (i.e., Personal Communications Service (PCS) andcellular service) has revolutionized how people communicate, especiallywhen they are on the move. However, the habit of using a wired telephoneat home and in the office remains the same simply because wirelesscommunication costs more than wired, provides poorer voice quality thanwired telephony, and does not have adequate local RF coverage due toblind spots and often limited radio capacity in densely populated areas.The emerging broadband access (e.g., HFC cable, fixed wireless, xDSLsuch as Asymmetric DSL (ADSL), High-bit-rate DSL (HDSL), IntegratedDigital Service Network (ISDN) DSL (IDSL), Symmetric DSL (SDSL) andVery-high-data-rate DSL (VDSL), the Local Multipoint Distribution System(LMDS), and the Microwave Multipoint Distribution System (MMDS), to thehome creates opportunities for new services including the integration ofwireless communication for home and office (i.e., SOHO) environments. Abase station or stations located in the home for local wireless accessservice may provide effective RF coverage anywhere within a home withquality of service. In addition, a base station may provide the linkagebetween the service provider's broadband network and the subscriber'shome networking devices to allow a service provider to distributevalue-added services to the home conveniently.

The methodology of the present invention integrates second-generationand third-generation wireless services in the home with broadband accessto a service provider's network. Enterprise Wireless CommunicationsService Platform (EWCSP) is the wireless access networkingsystem/platform. EWCSP uses a conventional (e.g., second generation)wireless standard communication system to provide wireless servicesin-doors. It consists of miniaturized radio base stations (i.e., accessports) located in the residence, SOHO, business, or public environmentsthat communicate with a plurality of wireless devices. EWCSP providesaccesses and services from the service provider's broadband packetnetwork via a service provider's broadband transport network. A systemcontroller, the NSP, residing in the service provider's broadband packetnetwork, controls and administers the access ports and associatedservice requests. A service provider can distribute services via thebroadband home access devices through the EWCSP to the subscriber athome. Some examples of such services are voice, data, short messageservice, home networking related device control and linkage to the homePC for remote access at a desired time wirelessly.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an architecture for oneembodiment of broadband networking for home, Small Office Home Office(SOHO) and business in accordance with the present invention. Thepresent invention includes both service and equipment elements. Theequipment portion of the invention typically consists of a specialminiaturized radio base station (i.e., access port) that may establishanalog and/or digital communication channels, and interworks between thewireless and packet telephony protocols (including voice transcoding).The function can be provided efficaciously by the EWCSP Access Port (AP)102. The AP unit 102 is based on Digital Radio Processing (DRP)techniques that accomplish transmission and reception of wireless radiosignals by numerical rather than conventional analog processing means.The AP unit 102 supports a standard air interface (e.g., TIA/EIA-136)and packet telephony protocols (and associated voice coding schemes) andis connected via a wired line interface (e.g., Ethernet or ISDN/Basicrate Interface (BRI) line interface as shown in FIG. 1) to the MediaTerminal Adapter (MTA) 104. The MTA 104 is connected via a broadbandtransport link (for example, via the HFC network, xDSL, or the like) tothe service provider's broadband packet network 106. The MTA 104provides access functions that connect between a service provider'sbroadband packet network 106 and the home devices via the serviceprovider's broadband transport network 120. The MTA 104 and the AP unit102 may be two physically distinct and interconnected units or they canbe confined within one physical unit (see FIG. 9). For purposes of thedescription for FIG. 1, the MTA 104 and the AP unit 102 are consideredas two separate units. The RBN in the home network in the residentialenvironment or business network in the SOHO/business environment is thelocal broadband network that consists of the MTA interconnected to theAP, the associated wireless devices including any home devices andresources, computing devices and resources and appliances communicatingwirelessly with the AP, and associated wired devices including computingdevices and resources and telecommunication devices and resourcescommunicating with the MTA and AP. The MTA can be entirely within theRBN, entirely within the service provider's broadband transport networkor split between the RBN and the service provider's broadband transportnetwork.

The system controller, the Network Server Platform (NSP) 108, for theAPs is located in the service provider's broadband packet network. Thehome network, the service provider's broadband transport network, andthe service provider's broadband packet network are all based onpacket/cell format (e.g., Internet Protocol (IP)/Asynchronous TransferMode (ATM). When the connection between the AP 102 and the MTA 104 is anISDN/BRI link, the MTA 104 acts as a concentrator or channel bank (i.e.,multiplexer/de-multiplexer) for all the line interfaces from the AP(s)102. Q.931 signaling is used only to establish the B-channels betweenthe AP 102 and the MTA 104; packetized voice or data are then sent overthe B-channels through the service provider's broadband packet networkto their end destinations. Thus, the present invention provides home,SOHO and business (broadband) wireless services and home or businessnetworking, typically using EWCSP via broadband access to a serviceprovider's broadband packet network.

Service provided by the present invention includes:

-   -   a. When a home's or business's resources are connected to a home        or business networking platform that has broadband access to the        service provider's broadband packet network, users with        predetermined security privileges can remotely access any or all        resources/appliances in or around the home or office via the        service provider's broadband packet network. Thus, the home or        business networking platform with the broadband network        connectivity establishes a communications conduit for a        subscriber at one end of the conduit to remotely access,        control, monitor, and share the home's or business's resources        at the other end of the conduit. This conduit also enables the        delivery of traditional communication/entertainment services and        new services. Depending on the RF coverage of the AP 102, the        power of the AP 102 may be adjusted for coverage up to, for        example, a mile or more in radius and therefore the services        architecture may include the campus, public, or enterprise        environments.    -   b. A home or business with broadband network connectivity and a        home or business networking platform enables the service        provider to distribute value-added network services (e.g., voice        telephony) at any desired place within the home or business.    -   c. A home or business with broadband network connectivity and a        home or business networking platform enables a content service        provider to render services transparently/directly to home or        business via the service provider's broadband packet network.    -   d. A home or business with broadband network connectivity and a        home or business networking platform enables a subscriber to        deliver and receive calls via a service provider's broadband        packet network to and from the traditional PSTN and associated        wireless PCS/Cellular networks. The services typically include        all traditional service features and applications (i.e., voice,        data etc.)    -   e. A home or business with broadband network connectivity and a        home or business networking platform enables a subscriber to        send, receive and browse information via a service provider's        broadband packet network to and from the traditional data/voice        packet network (i.e., Internet). The services typically include        traditional Internet service features and applications.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a high-level home or businessnetworking service architecture based on the EWCSP for the home, SOHOand business environments. In the SOHO or business environment, a PBX110 (as shown in FIG. 1) delivers feature applications or,alternatively, the service provider's broadband packet network candeliver such features, as in the circuit-switched Centrex model (notshown).

As used herein, the following terms have the definitions recited below:

-   -   a. Tip/Ring (T/R) Phone 112—Normal telephony Customer Provided        Equipment (CPE) with RJ-11 interface to the MTA. For example,        the phone may be a touch-tone telephone, fax machine, or analog        modem.    -   b. IP Phone 114—IP telephone with digital processing capability        to support multiple codecs and communications protocols, echo        cancellation with an Ethernet interface.    -   c. Personal Computer (PC) 116—Customer's PC with a home or        business networking interface (e.g., IEEE 802.11b and/or        Ethernet).    -   d. Wireless Phone 118—Standard second-generation or        third-generation wireless telephone with home or business        networking interfaces (e.g., TIA/EIA-136, or EDGE/GPRS).    -   e. Access Port (AP) 102—EWCSP Access Port connected to MTA. The        AP and MTA may be physically one unit or two physically distinct        and interconnected units.    -   f. Media Terminal Adapter (MTA) 104—Media terminal equipment        integrated with a modem for access to the service provider's        broadband transport network and to the service provider's        broadband packet network. The modem interfaces with the        transport infrastructure: for example, if the HFC plant is used,        then the modem is a cable modem: alternatively, if ADSL is used,        then the modem is an ADSL modem. MTA digitally encodes        multimedia signals, encapsulates the encoded signal in IP        packets, and delivers the packets to the network via the modem.        The multimedia signals may be either analog or digital. The MTA        maintains a call state for each active telephone line and        participates in call signaling and telephony feature        implementation. The AP and MTA may be physically one unit or two        physically distinct and interconnected units. The modem receives        IP packets from either the Media Terminal Adapter or PC and        packages and sends them through the service provider's broadband        transport network using the appropriate interface. For example,        for the HFC transport network, the interface is defined in        DOCSIS 1.1.    -   g. Service Provider's Broadband Transport Network 120—standard        transport infrastructure that comprises one or more of HFC,        xDSL, fixed wireless, fiber optic, etc. For example, the HFC        Network is a standard two-way cable plant with at least one 6        MHz downstream channel and several 2 MHz upstream channels        designated for cable modem IP services. This HFC network        includes the Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) that        terminates the 2 MHz upstream channels and originates the 6 MHz        downstream channel used for CM IP services. CMTS implements the        Medium Access Control (MAC) over the HFC network as defined in        DOCSIS 1.1.    -   h. Edge Router (ER) 124—Enforces the Quality of Service (QoS)        policies and is the access router for the packet network    -   i. Service Provider's Broadband Packet Network 106—Packet access        and backbone network supporting packet transport, VPN, and QoS        needed for isochronous media service.    -   j. Network Server Platform (NSP) 108—Administers the wireless        terminals, including call processing, Operations, Administration        and Maintenance (OA&M), terminal mobility, personal mobility,        location mobility, and RF management. It interworks with the        other servers and/or gateways (GWs) to establish a call        end-to-end. The NSP platform 108 also functions as a transaction        server that participates in call processing and controls access        to network resources (including QoS in the packet network). It        translates E.164 addresses to destination packet addresses        either internally or by accessing the Directory Server. The NSP        platform 108 may physically consist of several servers.    -   k. PSTN Gateway 126—Translates packet streams to standard Time        Division Multiplexed (TDM) trunks in the PSTN. It interfaces to        necessary PSTN services with trunk-based multi-frequency (MF)        interfaces (e.g., 911 offices, operator services platforms).    -   l. Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) 128—Gateways will        need to interface with several existing circuit switched        networks.    -   m. Signaling System 7 (SS7) Gateway 130—Translates signaling        from the Gate Controllers to standard SS7 signaling. Accesses        800 Portability and Local Number Portability (LNP) databases in        the SS7 network.    -   n. SS7 Network 132—SS7 Gateways will need to access several        different existing SS7 networks.    -   o. Router 134—Packet routers with QoS functionality.    -   p. Cellular Network 136—Network of base stations, systems and        associated elements needed to communicate with wireless devices        for cellular or PCS service.    -   q. PBX 110—PBX with packet-switched (e.g., Ethernet) and        circuit-switched (e.g., T1, ISDN/Primary Rate Interface (PRI),        etc.) interfaces providing traditional PBX features and        supporting multiple communication protocols (e.g., Session        Initiation Protocol (SIP), Media Gateway Control Protocol        (MGCP), ISDN, analog, etc) and voice encoding schemes        (circuit-switched and packetization). The PBX supports call        delivery to the packet and/or PSTN networks.    -   r. Network Servers 138—Home networking, IP telephony and OA&M        servers such as:    -   s. PSTN Media Gateway Controller (MGC)—The overall PSTN        interworking function is controlled by a Media Gateway        Controller, which, together with the PSTN Gateway and the SS7        Gateway, is interpreted as an SS7-capable circuit switch to the        PSTN.    -   t. Network Resources—Several network resources are needed to        support data/telephony service. For example, Announcement        Servers may be used to deliver audio announcements to customers,        and network bridges may be used for multi-point conferences.    -   u. Directory Server—Contains E.164 number-to-IP address        translation information. An E.164 number may be translated to        either the IP address of a home device, the PSTN Gateway, or the        IP address of a NSP. Responds to translation requests from the        NSP.    -   v. Authentication Server—Contains authentication information        that is used to validate a MTA's identity claim. Responds to        authentication requests from the NSP.    -   w. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Server—Assigns IP        addresses to MTAs and PCs for the high-speed data service.    -   x. Domain Name Server (DNS)—Standard DNS for high-speed data        service.    -   y. Short Message Server—A Short Message server for low-speed        home control services. The server may also interwork with public        macrocellular Short Message Service center for delivery of Short        Message Service message to wireless devices within the home or        business network. This short message server and associated        wireless devices may use any standard second-generation or        third-generation wireless protocols, e.g., TIA/EIA-136, Cellular        Digital Packet Data (CDPD).    -   z. DN—Directory Number.    -   aa. RTP—Real-Time Protocol—An application sublayer protocol        (part of ISO Layer 7) which provides the common real-time        services required by any application sending and receiving        delay-sensitive traffic, such as voice and video. Includes        mechanisms such as time stamps and sequence numbers which        provide the receiver with the timing information necessary for a        proper layout. Also includes mechanisms to support multiplexing        of multiple real-time flows between the same layer 4 ports in        communicating endpoints.    -   bb. RTCP—Real-Time Control Protocol—An application sublayer        protocol that provides out-of-band control information for an        associated RTP flow. Enables performance reports on parameters        such as lost packets and jitter for the RTP flow to be sent from        the receiver to the transmitter.

The following describes a series of embodiments of wireless accessschemes for a subset of the wireless interface standards that may beadapted by the AP 102 and the available services in accordance with thepresent invention.

TIA/EIA-136

When the AP 102 supports the TIA/EIA-136 TDMA air interface, it radiatesa digital “setup” channel signal in the frequency range that isallocated for the EWCSP system that is serving the area. The transmittedpower of the signal is reduced to a level that allows it to “reach” onlywithin the subscribed home, SOHO, office, public, or campus parameters,thus rendering its signal “invisible” to handsets outside of thesetargeted boundaries (e.g., public macrocellular network). The subscribermay use the same wireless telephone 118 at home, on the road, and in theoffice. In the home environment, the wireless telephone 118 behaves as acordless extension of the home telephone, and likewise, in the officeenvironment, the same telephone behaves as a cordless extension of theoffice telephone (e.g., in-building wireless office service). In bothcases, no airtime charges are accrued, and the user is billed accordingto the normal wired local telephony subscription plan. When thesubscriber is on the road, the wireless phone is reached by its MobileIdentification Number (MIN), it communicates with the macrocellularnetwork for mobile calls, and the calls are billed according to theuser's cellular calling plan. This architecture may also support thetermination of MIN-based calls to the wireless telephone in the home oroffice environment by interworkings between EWCSP and the macrocellularpublic network.

In the home environment, the wireless Short Message feature (e.g., asdefined in TIA/EIA-136) may be used for supporting one-way/two-waylow-speed home control features such as home appliances, electronics,devices, etc., in accordance with the present invention. The followingare several embodiments using the Short Message feature in accordancewith the present invention. (Note that the CDPD standard could also beused to send these short messages.):

1. A subscriber is on the way home and logs onto the service provider'sweb site. After an authentication and authorization process, he sends ashort message to the thermostat in his house, via connectivity to hishome networking platform, to turn the air conditioner to a coolersetting. When he arrives home, the house is at a comfortabletemperature.

2. A subscriber's refrigerator is not functioning properly and therefrigerator has been programmed to send alert messages to thesubscriber via short message feature; in turn, the subscriber sends ashort message to the refrigerator (via the home networking platform) torun a diagnostic check. After the test, the refrigerator sends theresults back in another short message so that the subscriber maydetermine appropriate action.

3. A subscriber authorizes the manufacturer of a newly purchasedrefrigerator to access his refrigerator through the service provider'sbroadband packet network to his home networking platform to run regularmaintenance checks, etc.

Through a service provider's broadband packet network connection, thereare many other potential services (e.g., programming VCRs, carmaintenance, utility reading, electrical consumption monitoring ofappliances, etc.) that may be implemented, depending on theappliance/device.

Home Control of a TIA/EIA-136-Enabled Appliance Via the TIA/EIA-136Short Message Feature:

The call flows described below are for illustrative purposes only, andare not meant to follow the exact message format of a specificcall-signaling standard. The communication exchange between the NSP andthe Network Servers, and between the NSP and the AP, and the AP and theVCR are illustrated accordingly to the ANSI-41 and TIA/EIA-136 standardrespectively. However the exchange between the Web-enabled wirelessterminal (e.g., wireless Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)) and theNetwork Servers are in English descriptive language and do not adhere toany specific protocol. ANSI-41 is a known standard in the industry andis used during the exchange of SMS messages between the SMS Center inthe network and TIA/EIA-136 terminal. By supporting the ANSI-41standard, the NSP can also interwork with the public macrocellularsystem for delivery of MIN-based calls and SMS messages to the MobileStation (MS) in the home network. Note that any second-generation orthird-generation wireless standard that supports the SMS feature canalso be used, e.g., GSM. The access port can also communicate withwireless enabled devices using a short message process adapted tosupport home control service aspects. That is, the short message processmay not actually use or be a standard short message service as opposedto a process that resembles a short message service and is hereindenominated a short message process.

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of a scheme for call flows for a shortmessage-based Home Control Implementation using the TIA/EIA-136 ShortMessage feature:

201. A subscriber has programmed his VCR to tape a major sports eventwhile he is away from home. The VCR is equipped with a TIA/EIA-136 radioand capable of processing TIA/EIA-136 SMS messages. He discovers thatthe event has been delayed by an hour. He uses his Web-enabled wirelessPDA to log on to the Home Networking Web site, and after anauthentication procedure, he is authorized to communicate with his homenetwork. He selects an option on the Web page to send a message to hisVCR. He enters the command to reset the VCR programming to the new time.

202. The associated server creates a message (e.g., an SMS in the formatof ANSI-41 SMSDeliveryPointToPoint, SMDPP) containing the VCR command,and sends this to the NSP.

203. The NSP translates the (ANSI-41) message into a TIA/EIA-136SMS_DELIVER message. The NSP retrieves the IP address for the AP of thesubscriber's home network, wraps the TIA/EIA-136 message in an IPmessage, and sends this to the AP.

204. When the AP receives the message, it extracts the SMS message andsends it to the VCR.

205. The VCR receives the SMS message, and resets the program time.

206. If the user wishes to be notified of the result, the VCR respondsto the AP with a successful TIA/EIA-136 SMS_DELIVERY_ACK message.

207. The AP forwards the SMS_DELIVERY_ACK message to the NSP in an IPmessage.

208. The NSP sends a successful command acknowledgement message (e.g.,in the format of ANSI-41 SMDPP) to the Web site.

209. The Web site acknowledges to the user that the VCR command wassuccessfully executed.

EDGE/GPRS

Another instantiation of the AP may be to support the next generation ofcellular/PCS standards such as EDGE and GPRS for wireless high-speeddata access.

EDGE is based on the existing infrastructure (i.e., TIA/EIA-136 or GSM)using a high-speed modulation technology to achieve data transmissionspeeds of up to 384 Kbps. A subscriber can use the same dual-modeterminal for voice and data access at home, on the road, and in theoffice. The GPRS standard currently supports sending the voice callsover the voice (GSM or TIA/EIA-136) portion of the home network, whilesending the data calls over the GPRS portion of the network. The GPRSnodes (Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) and Gateway GPRS Support Node(GGSN)) can be private to the EWCPS system or can interwork with themacrocellular GPRS nodes to support personal and private mobility.

IEEE 802.11b

Another instantiation of the AP can be to support a high-speed wirelessdata access via the IEEE 802.11b wireless LAN standard. This will enablethe EWCSP for in-home networking services such as file sharing betweenhome PCs, sharing of computing peripherals (e.g., printers andscanners), simultaneous high-speed Internet access, and home controlfeatures based on a 11 Mbps data rate. With QoS enhancements to IEEE802.11b EWCSP can support value-added network service such asisochronous real-time voice and video telephony. The high-speed aspectsof IEEE 802.11b enable more services such as remote viewing access tosecurity surveillance cameras.

IEEE 802.11b may be used in conjunction with TIA/EIA-136 as illustratedin the functional block diagram of the AP. A subscriber can thereforeanswer a telephone call in their home on their wired telephone,TIA/EIA-136 handset, or on their IEEE 802.11b handset. EWCSP can alsosupport interworking between IEEE 802.11b and GPRS nodes to supportterminal and personal mobility between the home network and the publicmacrocellular GPRS network.

Some sample scenarios:

-   -   a. Remote Access to Home PC—From a subscriber's work place, the        subscriber wants to access the Internet from their home PC. The        subscriber should be able to connect from the office network to        the service provider's Home Networking Web site and in turn to        the subscriber's home network through the service provider's        Home Networking VPN after appropriate authentication procedures.        Once connected, the subscriber should be allowed to access all        the home network resources including using the home PC to surf        the Internet. In effect, the home terminal is emulated on the        subscriber's office PC. Therefore, the entire service provider's        network (via the service provider's broadband transport network        and the service provider's broadband packet network) extending        to a subscriber for accessing home network resources remotely        becomes realistic and essential. Another service scenario is        remote access to home PC for receiving a personal fax.    -   b. Using comparable procedures described above, a subscriber can        remotely access and control:        -   i. Home security systems, e.g., real-time viewing of            security camera images of their house, and            enabling/disabling of alarms.        -   ii. Home appliances and electronics, e.g., adjusting            thermostat setting, setting VCR, turning on the dishwasher.            Voice Call Implementation

The following describes the basic service procedures including messageexchanges for basic on-net voice calls in home networking services. FIG.3 shows the basic SIP call flow from one laptop to another in the homenetworking service area. SIP is a proposed Internet standard for packettelephony from the IETF. The call flows in this section are forillustrative purposes only, and they are not meant to follow the exactmessage format of a specific call signaling standard. For example, anOrigination or Call Origination message can be substituted for theINVITE message. Note: User's registration procedures to the network(i.e., NSP) are not illustrated; this is assumed to have occurred priorto the call. A sample registration procedure is illustrated in the dataservice scenario.

Typical steps implemented for a Voice Call Implementation are set forthin FIG. 3:

301. The user turns on the laptop and calls his friend using an IPaddress or DN. The Originating Laptop (LTo) generates an INVITE(no-ring) message and sends it to the NSP. Upon receiving the INVITE(no-ring) message, the NSP registers and authenticates/authorizes LTofor the service request.

302. The NSP maps the DN to an IP address, if needed, and confirms thelocation of the Terminating Laptop (LTt). The NSP generates an INVITEmessage and sends it to LTt.

303. Upon receiving the INVITE (no-ring), LTt determines if it canaccommodate this call. If so, it generates a 200 OK response and sendsit to the NSP.

304. Upon receiving the 200 OK message, the NSP forwards it to LTo. TheNSP instructs the ERs that it has permission for the IP flow associatedwith this call. At this point the NSP has completed its transaction anddoes not maintain any more states for this call. The ERs take over theresponsibility of maintaining, including billing, the call.

305. LTo sends an ACK message directly to LTt. This completes thethree-way handshake for the INVITE (no-ring) exchange.

306. At this point, LTo attempts to reserve network resources to meetthe QoS requirements of the call using such methods as ResourcereSerVation Protocol (RSVP) or a priority-based method. If the resourcereservation is successful, LTo sends an INVITE (ring) message directlyto LTt.

307. Once LTt receives the INVITE (ring) message and successfullyreserves network resources, it begins to generate RINGING to thedestination user and sends a 180 RINGING message to LTo. LTo begins toplay audible ringback tone to the calling user.

308. After the destination user answers the call, LTt sends a 200 OKmessage to LTo. LTt also begins to generate RTP packets of encoded voiceand send them to LTo using the IP address and port number specified inthe original INVITE (no-ring) message.

309. Upon receiving the 200 OK message, LTo responds with an ACKmessage. LTo plays the RTP stream that is received from LTt. LTogenerates RTP packets of encoded voice and sends them to LTt using theIP address and port number specified in the original 200 OK message. Thevoice path is established in both directions. The associated ERs startto count the usage for billing purposes.

TIA/EIA-136 and SIP Interworking Voice Implementation

The following describes the basic service procedures including messageexchanges for basic on-net voice calls between a TIA/EIA-136 MS and alaptop for home networking services. FIG. 4 shows the basic TIA/EIA-136and SIP interworking call flow from MS to a laptop both in homenetworking service areas. The call flows in this section are forillustrative purposes only, and they are not meant to follow the exactmessage format of a specific call signaling standard. Note: The MS andlaptop registration procedures to the network (i.e., NSP) are notillustrated; these are assumed to have occurred prior to the call.

FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of steps for a scheme for TIA/EIA-136 andSIP Interworking Call Implementation:

401. The user calls his friend using a DN via his TIA/EIA-136 MS. (Notethat the MS registration has previously occurred and is not illustratedhere.) The MS sends a TIA/EIA-136 Origination message to the AP.

402. The AP in turn generates an INVITE (no-ring) message and sends itto the NSP.

403. The NSP first validates the MS and authorizes the MS for theservice request. Then, the NSP maps the DN to an IP address, if needed,and determines the location of the Terminating Laptop (LTt). The NSPgenerates an INVITE (no ring) message and sends it to LTt.

404. Upon receiving the INVITE (no-ring), LTt determines if it canaccommodate this call. If so, it generates a 200 OK response and sendsit to the NSP.

405. Upon receiving the 200 OK message, the NSP forwards it to the AP.The NSP also instructs the ERs that it has permission for the IP flowassociated with this call. At this point, the NSP has completed itstransaction. The ERs take over the responsibility of maintaining,including billing, the call.

406. The AP allocates RF resources to the MS and informs the MS of theallocated RF traffic channel via the Digital Traffic Channel (DTC)Designation message.

407. Simultaneously, the AP sends an ACK message directly to LTt. Thiscompletes the three-way handshake for the INVITE (no-ring) exchange.

408. The MS informs the AP that it (MS) is tuned to the traffic channelvia the MS on DTC notification.

409. The AP attempts to reserve network resources to meet the QoSrequirements of the call using such methods as RSVP or a priority-basedmethod. If the resource reservation is successful, the AP sends anINVITE (ring) message directly to LTt.

410. Once LTt receives the INVITE (ring) message and successfullyreserves network resources, it begins to generate RINGING to thedestination user and sends a 180 RINGING message to the AP. The APbegins playing an audible ringback tone to the calling user.

411. When the destination user answers the call, LTt sends a 200 OKmessage to the AP. LTt also begins to generate RTP packets of encodedvoice and sends them to AP using the IP address and port numberspecified in the original INVITE (no-ring) message.

412. After receiving the 200 OK message, the AP responds with an ACKmessage to LTt. The AP transcodes the RTP stream that is received fromLTt to the TIA/EIA-136 coding scheme, if needed, for playback to the MSuser. It also transcodes, if needed, the TIA/EIA-136 voice packets toRTP packets of encoded voice, and sends them to LTt using the IP addressand port number specified in the original 200 OK message. The voice pathis established in both directions. The associated ERs starts to countthe usage for billing purposes.

413. The AP sends a Connect message to the NSP for call detail purposesof the wireless portion of the call.

Data Service Implementation

The following, as illustrated in FIG. 5, describes a basic data serviceimplementation. The user accesses network services from his wirelessstation (e.g., laptop) at his home. He registers with his reach number,e.g., “handle”, and the services will be charged to his network account.In addition, the user can register with any available content serviceproviders (CSPs). The Packet Network provides the transport medium forthe user, but any services rendered by other providers are transparentto this network.

FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of steps for an implementation for a DataServices in a Home Network:

501. The user powers up his laptop, and the laptop sends a Registrationmessage to the AP. AP verifies that the laptop is valid for the homenetwork.

502. AP forwards the message to NSP. As a security measure, the NSP canoptionally invoke an authentication procedure with the user and/orlaptop to verify the registration. If the authentication procedurefails, then the NSP ignores this registration, and the user is stillconsidered as inactive.

503. After NSP accepts the user/laptop's registration, NSP responds witha Registration ACK to the AP.

504. The AP forwards the Registration ACK message to the laptop. Theuser can now start accessing/receiving all subscribed network services,including data services. The usage will be charged accordingly to theirnetwork account.

505. Optionally, if the user wants to access other CSPs for a specialservice, he may send the log-on request to the particular CSP server.

506. When the log-on request to the CSP is successful, the CSP allowsthe user to access its service(s). Any payment for these services is inaddition to the fee charged by the home networking service provider.

Roaming Data Service Implementation

As shown in FIG. 6, in the Roaming Data Service implementation, the useraccesses network services from his wireless station (e.g., laptop) athis friend's home just as at his home. His reach number, e.g., “handle”remains the same, and the services will be charged to his home networkaccount. This situation is similar to roaming in the cellular voiceservice. In addition, the user can register with any available contentservice providers.

FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of steps for a Roaming Data Serviceimplementation:

601. The user powers down his laptop at home, and the laptop sends aDe-registration message to the AP.

602. The AP forwards this message to the NSP. The NSP notes that theuser (e.g., johndoe@homenetwork.com) is no longer active. Any incomingservices for the user will be rejected or redirected to a defaultlocation (e.g., voicemail for an incoming telephone call).

603. The user visits his friend's home (that is also equipped with anIEEE 802.11 home networking service) and powers up his laptop. Thelaptop sends a Registration message to the visited AP, which verifiesthat the laptop is valid for the visiting home network.

604. The visited AP forwards the message to NSP. As a security measure,the NSP can optionally invoke an authentication procedure with the userand/or laptop to verify the registration. The NSP notes that the user isnow active and associates the user/laptop (i.e., the handle,johndoe@homenetwork.com) with its new location. The NSP will direct anynew incoming services for the user/laptop to the new location. If theauthentication procedure fails, then the NSP ignores this registration,and the user is still considered as inactive.

605. After NSP notes the user/laptop's new location, NSP responds with aRegistration Ack to the visited AP.

606. The visited AP forwards this message to the laptop. The user cannow start accessing/receiving all subscribed network services in theirfriend's home, and will be charged accordingly to their own home networkaccount.

607. Optionally, if the user wants to access other CSPs for a specialservice, he may send the log-on request to the particular CSP server.

608. When the log-on request to the CSP is successful, the CSP allowsthe user to access its service(s). Any payment for these services is inaddition to the fee charged by the home networking service provider.

Using the above implementation, personal mobility can also bedemonstrated when the user borrows his friend's laptop to access his ownHome Network services from his friend's house. All network services willstill be available to him based on the user's own account.

Description of the Access Equipment

The AP 102 is the wireless access point to the network. It can handle avariety of wireless protocols; TIA/EIA-136, GSM, GPRS/EDGE areillustrated here along with IEEE 802.11b. Note that any standardwireless protocols may be used. For example, the IEEE 802.15 (Bluetooth)standard may be used instead of IEEE 802.11b, and likewise anysecond-generation or third-generation protocol (e.g., CDMA, CDMA2000,WCDMA, etc.) may be used instead of TIA/EIA-136. Alternatively,depending on the implementation, the AP could also just support onewireless protocol. In one embodiment, the AP 102 may be connected to theMTA 104 via an Ethernet link or the AP and MTA may be one integratedunit. The following description discusses both types.

Separate AP and MTA

Where the AP and MTA are two separate units connected by an Ethernetlink, the configuration offers the capability of connecting multiple APs(through a LAN) to support a large residence or a business environmentto one MTA as its single cable access point. This also enables the APand MTA vendors to be different.

Functional Block Description of the Access Point

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a wireless access point(AP) that can support at least one RF method such asTIA/EIA-136/GSM/EDGE and IEEE 802.11b. This diagram is for illustrativepurposes; the AP may support any standard RF protocols such as IEEE802.15 instead of IEEE 802.11b. The AP that is illustrated here supportsthree major interfaces through which voice and/or data may flow:

1. Ethernet interface for data and IP telephony data;

2. IEEE 802.11b wireless interface primarily for data based on the IEEE802.11b standard but, with QoS enhancements, it is suitable for voiceand entertainment distribution; and

3. Multichannel software radio interface for wireless data and voicecommunication with standard handsets that conform to TIA/EIA-136, GSM,EDGE, or other wireless protocols.

In FIG. 7 the voice or data is received by a wideband radio 702 that isin turn coupled to a DAC 704 and a ADC 706 that convert signals for aquad digital upconverter 708 and a quad digital downconverter 710,respectively, which are coupled to a plurality of digital signalprocessors (DSPs) 712. The DSPs 712 are coupled to a main centralprocessing unit (CPU) 714 that includes ROM 716 and RAM 718 memory. Themain computer can be replaced by an Application Specific IntegratedCircuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a ReducedInstruction Set Computer (RISC) or any combination of the above, whichmay or may not include memory or other computer readable media separatefrom or integrated with the processing device, or any other similardevice able to perform the functions described herein. The Timing andControl 732 provides for timing and control of the wireless accesssystem. In addition, a PCMCIA slot 720 may be provided for the main CPU714, where the PCMCIA slot 720 is coupled to a wireless modem 722 forreceiving data. Also, a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) or EthernetProcessor 724 may be coupled to the main CPU 714. Typically, the VoIP orEthernet Processor 724 is coupled to at least a ROM 726 and may providefor Ethernet connectability using, for example, a 10/100 Mbit EthernetPHY chip 728.

As shown in FIG. 7, the functions of each element of the AP typicallyinclude:

1. Wideband Radio 702: The wideband radio 702 provides a high dynamicrange broadband signal from the antenna to the digital interface (ADC706/DAC/704). The frequency band of operation is flexible and canconsist of the 800 MHz cellular band and the 1900 MHz PCS band.Performance is sufficient to handle a range of radio standards includingTIA/EIA-136, EDGE, GSM, CDPD, and analog cellular. The input to thewideband radio 702 is a broadband multi-carrier transmit IF signal fromthe DAC. The output from the wideband radio 702 is a downconvertedbroadband receive IF signal that is sent to the ADC 706.

2. DAC 704: The Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) 704 converts thedigital representation of the transmit signal from the quad digitalupconverter 708 into an analog waveform for the wideband radio 702.

3. ADC 706: The Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) 706 converts thereceive output of the wideband radio 702 into a digital representationfor the quad digital downconverter 710.

4. Quad digital upconverter 708: The quad digital upconverter 708accepts up to four separate channels of baseband information as inputand outputs a digital IF signal combining the four individual carriers.The device itself is responsible for providing flexible channelmodulation types through programmable symbol types, symbol rates, andfiltering.

5. Quad digital downconverter 710: The quad digital downconverter 710performs similar functions to the upconverter 708, but for receivesignals. The device input is a broadband digital signal that includesthe channels of interest. The downconverter 710 selects the individualchannels, filters them, and provides a baseband signal output to theDSPs 712.

6. DSP 712: The DSPs 712 are responsible for executing the desired radioprotocol for each of the four channels. The individual DSP will takevoice or data information from the Main CPU 714 and send it via theappropriate wireless protocol to the desired mobile device, whilesimultaneously forwarding mobile voice/data information to the Main CPU714. While some of the wireless protocol is handled in the Main CPU 714,most of the protocol is performed in the DSPs 712 in order to provide asimpler API to wireless mobile devices.

7. Timing and Control 732: The timing and control complex 732 is adedicated section of programmable logic that sets the appropriate timingfor the wireless protocols, and provides a flexible hardware interfacebetween the DSPs 712 and the upconverter 708/downconverter/710 (to allowload-sharing).

8. Main CPU 714: The main CPU 714 is primarily a router of informationbetween the various semi-autonomous endpoints (wireless, IEEE 802.11b,and Ethernet). Packets of voice and data information received over theEthernet interface are passed to the appropriate endpoint as desired bythe user. Additionally, the main CPU 714 handles some of thehigher-level protocol functions for these endpoints in order to assurequality of service is maintained throughout.

9. VoIP/Ethernet Processor 724: The VoIP/Ethernet Processor 724 managesthe Ethernet interfaces. This device is actually a self-contained CPUwith dedicated ROM, RAM, and interfaces. Its primary function is tohandle IP voice conversion and encapsulation for the Ethernet, andwireless voice interfaces. The main CPU 714 controls this device andpackets bound for the broadband transport interface (e.g., cable orxDSL) are also passed through the main CPU 714.

10. VoIP/Ethernet Processor ROM 726: Flash program memory for the VoIPEthernet Processor 724.

11. Main CPU ROM 716: Flash program memory for the Main CPU 714.

12. Main CPU RAM 718: Program and data memory for the Main CPU 714.

13. 10/100 Mbit Ethernet PHY 728: The Ethernet PHY chip performs theanalog modulation/demodulation functions necessary to connect the MACfunctions within the VoIP/Ethernet Processor to an attached Ethernetdevice.

14. Ethernet port 730: RJ-45 Ethernet jack.

15. IEEE 802.11b wireless modem 722: The IEEE 802.11b wireless modem 722is a PCMCIA device that attaches (through the PCMCIA slot interface) tothe main CPU 714. The device handles wideband data communication withwireless laptop computers based on the IEEE 802.11b standard, and can beenhanced to provide QoS to these devices for streaming multimediaapplications. Note that another standard type of wireless modem such asIEEE 802.15 can also be used.

16. PCMCIA slot 720: The PCMCIA slot 720 is a standard peripheralconnection mechanism that allows the attachment of various peripheraldevices to the main CPU. It is used here to interface with the IEEE802.11b wireless modem. Note that this slot can also be used tointerface with another standard type of wireless modem such as IEEE802.15.

AP Signal Flow

The AP generally processes the signals from the three major interfaces:

-   -   a. TIA/EIA-136/GSM/EDGE: The radio circuitry, the DSPs 712, and        the main CPU 714 process the signals from the        TIA/EIA-136/GSM/EDGE wireless devices. The primary        protocol-specific processes for the wireless interface are        handled by the DSPs 712, while the data and voice information        to/from the wireless device is forwarded to the main CPU 714 for        routing. Depending on what communication is desired, the        wireless voice/data may be routed to the Ethernet interface (for        intranet telephony or data) or the IEEE 802.11b interface        (intranet telephony or data).    -   b. IEEE 802.11b: Information flowing through the IEEE 802.11b        interface may be IP telephony packets, streaming multimedia        data, or regular internet/intranet data. The main CPU 714        establishes data priority and ensures QoS to the wireless        client, so all data is passed through it. Data to/from the IEEE        802.11b interface may be routed to the Ethernet interface (for        intranet telephony or data) or the TIA/EIA-136/GSM/EDGE        interface for wireless telephony or data.    -   c. Ethernet: The Ethernet interface provides a wired connection        for MTA, computers, and IP telephony devices. As Ethernet does        not currently support QoS, this is primarily seen as a data        interface. Data from this interface is passed to the main CPU        714 and can be routed to other endpoints in the system        (TIA/EIA-136/GSM/EDGE, IEEE 802.11b, or the other Ethernet        interfaces) or passed through the broadband transport interface        (e.g., cable or xDSL) on the MTA to the Internet.

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a Functional Block Description ofthe MTA.

Typically, there are three major interfaces through which voice and/ordata may flow:

1. Broadband transport interface (e.g., cable, xDSL, etc) supportingentertainment, data, video, and voice;

2. Ethernet interface for data and IP telephony data;

3. Analog telephony interface for analog voice communications.

The MTA connects to the service provider's broadband transport network(e.g., HFC plant, xDSL, etc) via the broadband transport interface(e.g., cable, xDSL, etc) and connects to the AP via an Ethernetinterface. The service provider's broadband packet network distributesthe services through the MTA and the AP to the end devices.

Typically, the functions of the elements of the MTA include:

1. Timing and Control 802: The timing and control complex 802 is adedicated section of programmable logic that sets the appropriate timingand control for the protocols and for all the other elements.

2. Main CPU 804: The main CPU 804 is primarily a router of informationbetween the various semi-autonomous endpoints (broadband transportinterface, Ethernet, and analog telephony). Packets of voice and datainformation received over the broadband transport interface are passedto the appropriate endpoint as desired by the user. Additionally, themain CPU handles some of the higher-level protocol functions for theseendpoints in order to assure quality of service is maintainedthroughout.

3. VoIP/Ethernet Processor 806: The VoIP/Ethernet Processor 806 managesthe Ethernet 808 and Subscriber's Line Interface Circuit (SLIC) 810interfaces. This device is actually a self-contained CPU with dedicatedROM, RAM, and interfaces. Its primary function is to handle IP voiceconversion and encapsulation for the Ethernet, and analog telephonyinterfaces. The main CPU 804 controls the VoIP/Ethernet Processor 806,and packets bound for the broadband transport interface are also passedthrough the main CPU 804. The main computer can be replaced by anApplication Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field ProgrammableGate Array (FPGA), a Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) or anycombination of the above, which may or may not include memory or othercomputer readable media separate from or integrated with the processingdevice, or any other similar device able to perform the functionsdescribed herein.

4. VoIP/Ethernet Processor ROM 812: Flash program memory for the VoIPEthernet Processor 8.06

5. Main CPU ROM 814: Flash program memory for the Main CPU 804.

6. Main CPU RAM 816: Program and data memory for the Main CPU 804.

7. Broadband Transport Interface 818: The Broadband transport interface818 utilizes a broadband transport link such as cable or xDSL to connectthe main CPU 804 to the service provider's network (e.g., DOCSIS 1.1CMTS in the cable head-end for the HFC transport network). The chipsetthat performs this function handles modulation, demodulation, errorcorrection, and framing compatible with the transport standard, e.g.,DOCSIS.

8. 10/100 Mbit Ethernet PHY 808: The Ethernet PHY chip 808 performs theanalog modulation/demodulation functions necessary to connect the MACfunctions within the VoIP/Ethernet Processor 806 to an attached Ethernetdevice.

9. Ethernet port 820: RJ-45 Ethernet jack.

10. Dual SLIC 810: The Dual SLIC circuits 810 interface digital μ-lawcoded audio to standard tip/ring telephones. These interfaces are usefulfor providing connections to legacy analog telephony devices.

11. T/R port 822: Standard RJ-11 Telephone jack to interface with analogtelephone sets.

MTA Signal Flow

This section describes how the signals from the three major interfacesare processed by the MTA:

-   -   a. T/R interface 822: The tip/ring interface 822 is strictly a        voice interface. IP voice packets (processed by the        VoIP/Ethernet Processor 806) to/from this interface may be        forwarded to any of the other interfaces (broadband transport or        Ethernet) via the main CPU 804.    -   b. Broadband transport interface 818: The broadband transport        interface 818 is the primary path for backhaul of data and voice        packets. The equipment in the service provider's broadband        packet network (e.g., the CMTS in the cable head-end) will        provide voice and data connections to the Internet and PSTN.        Note that for the cable-based broadband transport interface for        the HFC plant, QoS over this interface is controlled by the        DOCSIS standard and overseen by the main CPU. Data from the        broadband transport interface may be selectively routed to the        other interfaces.    -   c. Ethernet interface 808: The Ethernet interface 808 provides a        wired connection for AP, computers, and IP telephony devices. As        Ethernet does not currently support QoS, this is primarily seen        as a data interface. Data from this interface is passed to the        main CPU and can be routed to other endpoints in the system, or        passed through the broadband transport interface to the        Internet.        Intelligent Broadband Access Point (IBAP) (AP Integrated with        the MTA)

As shown in the functional block diagram in FIG. 9, the IntelligentBroadband Access Point (IBAP) is an AP that is integrated with the MTA.FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary embodiment of an IBAP. This integrated unitmay be useful in a residence or SOHO environment that can be adequatelyserviced by a single wireless access point.

The IBAP supports five major interfaces through which voice and/or datamay flow:

1. Broadband transport interface (e.g., cable, xDSL, etc) supportingentertainment, data, video, and voice;

2. Ethernet interface for data and IP telephony data;

3. Analog telephony interface for analog voice communications;

4. IEEE 802.11b wireless interface primarily for data based on the IEEE802.11b standard, but with QoS enhancements it is suitable for voice andentertainment distribution;

5. Multichannel software radio interface for wireless data and voicecommunication with standard handsets that conform to TIA/EIA-136, GSM,EDGE, or other wireless protocols.

The typical functions of the elements of the IBAP (an AP Integrated withthe MTA), as illustrated in FIG. 9, include:

1. Wideband Radio 902: The wideband radio 902 provides a high dynamicrange broadband signal from the antenna to the digital interface (ADC904/DAC/906). The frequency band of operation is flexible and canconsist of the 800 MHz cellular band and the 1900 MHz PCS band.Performance is sufficient to handle a range of radio standards includingTIA/EIA-136, EDGE, CDMA, WCDMA, CDMA2000, GSM, CDPD, and analogcellular. The input to the wideband radio is a broadband multi-carriertransmit IF signals from the DAC 906. The output from the wideband radiois a downconverted broadband receive IF signal that is sent to the ADC904.

2. DAC 906: The Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) 906 converts thedigital representation of the transmit signal from the Quad digitalupconverter 908 into an analog waveform for the wideband radio 902.

3. ADC 904: The Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) 904 converts thereceive output of the wideband radio 902 into a digital representationfor the Quad digital downconverter 910.

4. Quad digital upconverter 908: The quad digital upconverter 908accepts up to four separate channels of baseband information as inputand outputs a digital IF signal combining the four individual carriers.The device itself is responsible for providing flexible channelmodulation types through programmable symbol types, symbol rates, andfiltering.

5. Quad digital downconverter 910: The quad digital downconverter 910performs similar functions to the upconverter 908, but for receivesignals. The device input is a broadband digital signal that includesthe channels of interest. The downconverter 910 selects the individualchannels, filters them, and provides a baseband signal output to theDSPs 912.

6. DSPs 912: The DSPs 912 are responsible for executing the desiredradio protocol for each of the four channels. The individual DSP willtake voice or data information from the Main CPU 914 and send it via theappropriate wireless protocol to the desired mobile device, whilesimultaneously forwarding mobile voice/data information to the Main CPU914. While some of the wireless protocol is handled in the Main CPU 914,most is done in the DSPs 912 in order to provide a simpler API towireless mobile devices.

7. Timing and Control 916: The timing and control complex 916 is adedicated section of programmable logic that sets the appropriate timingfor the wireless protocols, all the other elements, and provides aflexible hardware interface between the DSPs 912 and the upconverter908/downconverter 910 (to allow load-sharing).

8. Main CPU 914: The main CPU 914 is primarily a router of informationbetween the various semi-autonomous endpoints (broadband transportinterface, wireless, IEEE 802.11b, Ethernet, and analog telephony).Packets of voice and data information received over the broadbandtransport interface are passed to the appropriate endpoint as desired bythe user. Additionally, the main CPU 914 handles some of thehigher-level protocol functions for these endpoints in order to assurequality of service is maintained throughout.

9. VoIP/Ethernet Processor 918: The VoIP/Ethernet Processor 918 managesthe Ethernet 920 and SLIC 922 interfaces. This device is actually aself-contained CPU with dedicated ROM, RAM, and interfaces. Its primaryfunction is to handle IP voice conversion and encapsulation for theEthernet, wireless voice, and analog telephony interfaces. The main CPUcontrols this device and packets bound for the broadband transportinterface are also passed through the main CPU. The main computer can bereplaced by an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a FieldProgrammable Gate Array (FPGA), a Reduced Instruction Set Computer(RISC) or any combination of the above, which may or may not includememory or other computer readable media separate from or integrated withthe processing device, or any other similar device able to perform thefunctions described herein.

10. VoIP/Ethernet Processor ROM 924: Flash program memory for the VoIPEthernet Processor 918.

11. Main CPU ROM 926: Flash program memory for the Main CPU 914.

12. Main CPU RAM 928: Program and data memory for the Main CPU 914.

14. Broadband transport interface 930: The broadband transport interface930 utilizes a broadband transport link such as cable or xDSL to connectthe main CPU 914 to the service provider's network (e.g., DOCSIS 1.1CMTS in the cable head-end for the HFC transport network). The chipsetthat performs this function handles modulation, demodulation, errorcorrection, and framing compatible with the appropriate standard (e.g.,DOCSIS).

15. 10/100 Mbit Ethernet PHY 920: The Ethernet PHY chip 920 performs theanalog modulation/demodulation functions necessary to connect the MACfunctions within the VoIP/Ethernet Processor 918 to an attached Ethernetdevice.

16. Ethernet port 932: RJ-45 Ethernet jack.

17. IEEE 802.11b wireless modem 936: the IEEE 802.11b wireless modem 936is a PCMCIA device that attaches (through the PCMCIA slot interface 934)to the main CPU 914. The device handles wideband data communication withwireless laptop computers based on the IEEE 802.11b standard, and can beenhanced to provide QoS to these devices for streaming multimediaapplications. Note that another type of standard wireless modem such asIEEE 802.15 can also be used.

18. PCMCIA slot 934: The PCMCIA slot 934 is a standard peripheralconnection mechanism that allows the attachment of various peripheraldevices to the main CPU 914. It is used here to interface with the IEEE802.11b wireless modem 936. Note that this slot can also be used tointerface with any standard wireless modem such as an IEEE 802.15wireless modem.

19. Dual SLIC 922: The Dual SLIC circuits 922 interface digital u-lawcoded audio to standard tip/ring telephones 938. These interfaces areuseful for providing connections to legacy analog telephony devices.

20. T/R port 940: Standard RJ-11 Telephone jack to interface with analogtelephone sets.

IBAP Signal Flow

Signals from the five major interfaces are typically processed by theIBAP as follows:

-   -   a. TIA/EIA-136/GSM/EDGE 942: the radio circuitry, the DSPs 912,        and the main CPU 914 process the signals from the        TIA/EIA-136/GSM/EDGE wireless devices. The DSPs 912 handle the        primary protocol-specific processing for the wireless interface,        while the data and voice information to/from the wireless device        is forwarded to the main CPU 914 for routing. Depending on what        communication is desired, the wireless voice/data may be routed        to the broadband transport interface (for IP telephony or data),        the Ethernet interface (for intranet telephony or data), the        analog telephony interface (“local call”), or the IEEE 802.11b        interface (intranet telephony or data).    -   b. IEEE 802.11b: Information flowing through the IEEE 802.11b        interface may be IP telephony packets, streaming multimedia        data, or regular internet/intranet data. The main CPU 914        establishes data priority and ensures QoS to the wireless        client, so all data is passed through it. Data to/from the IEEE        802.11b interface may be routed to any of the other interfaces,        TIA/EIA-136/GSM/EDGE (for wireless telephony or data), broadband        transport interface (for IP telephony or data), Ethernet        interface (for intranet telephony or data, or the analog        telephony interface (“local calls”).    -   c. T/R 940: The tip/ring interface is strictly a voice        interface. IP voice packets to/from this interface may be        forwarded to any of the other interfaces (TIA/EIA-136/GSM/EDGE,        IEEE 802.11b, broadband transport interface or Ethernet) via the        main CPU 914.    -   d. Broadband transport interface 930: The broadband transport        interface 930 is the primary path for backhaul of data and voice        packets. The equipment in the service provider's broadband        packet network (e.g., CMTS in the cable head-end for a HFC        transport network) will provide voice and data connections to        the Internet and PSTN. Note that for a HFC transport network,        the QoS over this interface is controlled by the DOCSIS standard        and overseen by the main CPU. Data from the broadband transport        interface may be selectively routed to the other interfaces.    -   e. Ethernet interface 920: The Ethernet interface 920 provides a        wired connection for computers and IP telephony devices. As        Ethernet does not currently support QoS, this is primarily seen        as a data interface. Data from this interface is passed to the        main CPU 914 and can be routed to other endpoints in the system,        or passed through the broadband transport interface 930 to the        Internet.

Although the present invention has been described in relation toparticular preferred embodiments thereof, many variations, equivalents,modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled inthe art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention belimited not by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appendedclaims.

1. A method for telecommunications service distribution that integratesa wireless access service in a local environment through the use of alocal broadband network (RBN) that is located within a residence orbusiness to both a service provider's broadband transport network and aservice provider's broadband packet network, the method enablingend-to-end packet telecommunication services between the residence orbusiness and the service provider and comprising the steps of: disposinga Media Terminal Adapter (MTA) within the RBN for providing accessfunctions for connecting the service provider's broadband packet networkwith the RBN via the service provider's broadband transport network; andestablishing at least one access port (AP) within the RBN for connectingsaid service provider's broadband packet network to the RBN via saidservice provider's broadband transport network, said at least one accessport comprising a miniaturized radio base station for establishinganalog and digital communication channels with a plurality of wirelesslocal RBN devices, the at least one access port coupled to the MTA viaeither a network or telephone twisted-pair line interface; and providingcall and service termination functions to the plurality of wirelesslocal RBN devices through the at least one access port.
 2. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the call and service termination functionsare provided by at least one access port sending and receiving wirelesssignals to said plurality of wireless local RBN devices.
 3. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein said service provider's broadbandtransport network is coupled to said service provider's broadband packetnetwork.
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said RBN is aresidential network.
 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein saidRBN is a business network.
 6. The method according to claim 1, whereinsaid connection between said at least one access port and said MediaTerminal Adapter is an Ethernet Interface.
 7. The method according toclaim 1, wherein said plurality of wireless local RBN devices includesany home devices and resources, computing devices and resources andappliances capable of communication with said at least one access port.8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step ofsending instructions and information from a device in communication withsaid service provider's broadband packet network via said serviceprovider's broadband transport network to said Media Terminal Adaptercoupled to said at least one access port to said plurality of wirelesslocal RBN devices.